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B1 noun #1,500 most common 13 min read

判断

handan Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 判断 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 判断 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Japanese language. The concept of handan, meaning judgment or decision, is generally too abstract for immediate active use. However, understanding its fundamental components is crucial. The word is composed of two kanji: han, meaning to judge or a seal, and dan, meaning to sever or decide. For an A1 student, encountering this word might happen in formal contexts or when listening to native speakers discuss choices. While you may not need to write or speak this word yet, recognizing its sound and general meaning will build a strong foundation. In daily life, A1 learners focus on basic survival vocabulary like greetings, numbers, simple verbs, and concrete nouns. Abstract nouns like handan represent a leap towards more complex cognitive expressions. When you hear handan, know that someone is talking about making a choice or evaluating a situation. It is a noun, but it frequently pairs with the verb suru to become handan suru, meaning to make a judgment. This is a common pattern in Japanese where a noun is transformed into an action. As you progress, you will see how handan fits into various sentence structures. For now, focus on the phonetic pronunciation: han-dan. Notice the long 'n' sounds. It is a very rhythmic word. Culturally, making a handan in Japan often involves consensus and careful consideration of the group's harmony, known as wa. Therefore, a handan is rarely made hastily. It requires gathering information, consulting with others, and weighing the outcomes. Even at the A1 level, appreciating this cultural nuance enriches your language learning experience. You might hear phrases like 'handan ga muzukashii' (the judgment is difficult) in anime or dramas. Keep an ear out for it. Remember, language is not just about vocabulary; it is about how people think and interact. Handan is a window into the Japanese analytical mind. By the time you reach higher levels, this word will be a staple in your vocabulary. Until then, let it be a recognizable signpost of advanced thought processes in the conversations you observe. Keep practicing your basic grammar and vocabulary, and soon you will be ready to use handan actively in your own sentences. Building this passive recognition early on is a highly effective strategy for long-term language acquisition.

As you transition into the A2 level, your ability to express more detailed thoughts in Japanese expands significantly. While handan remains a slightly advanced vocabulary item, it becomes increasingly relevant as you start to describe situations, express opinions, and understand simple narratives. At this stage, you are moving beyond mere survival phrases and beginning to articulate the reasons behind actions. Handan fits perfectly into this developmental phase. You might start using it to explain why a certain choice was made, even if the grammar surrounding it remains relatively simple. For instance, you can use the phrase 'watashi no handan desu' (it is my judgment/decision) to assert ownership of a choice. You will also start to recognize it more frequently in reading materials, such as simple news articles or notices, where decisions by authorities or organizations are mentioned. Understanding handan at the A2 level involves recognizing its role as a formal alternative to simpler words like 'kimeru' (to decide) or 'kangaeru' (to think). While you might still rely heavily on 'kimeru' for everyday choices, knowing handan allows you to comprehend more formal or serious contexts. You will also begin to encounter it in compound forms, such as 'jiko-handan' (self-judgment), which is useful when discussing personal responsibility or independent action. Listening practice at this level should include identifying handan in spoken Japanese, paying attention to the context in which it is used. Is it a business setting? A medical scenario? A news report? Recognizing these contexts helps solidify the word's nuanced meaning. Furthermore, practicing the pronunciation of handan with the correct pitch accent (heiban, or flat) will improve your overall spoken fluency. Culturally, understanding handan at the A2 level helps you appreciate the Japanese emphasis on careful consideration before acting. It is not just about deciding; it is about evaluating the situation thoroughly. As you continue to build your vocabulary and grammar skills, handan will become an increasingly valuable tool for expressing complex thoughts and understanding the subtleties of Japanese communication. Keep integrating it into your practice, and you will soon find yourself using it with greater confidence and accuracy.

Reaching the B1 level marks a significant milestone in your Japanese learning journey, and handan becomes an essential part of your active vocabulary. At this intermediate stage, you are expected to handle a variety of situations, express opinions clearly, and understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. Handan is perfectly suited for these tasks. You will use it to discuss problem-solving, evaluate options, and explain the rationale behind decisions. The ability to use 'handan suru' (to make a judgment) correctly is a key indicator of B1 proficiency. You should be comfortable constructing sentences like 'jyoukyou wo mite handan shimasu' (I will judge based on the situation) or 'sono handan wa tadashii to omoimasu' (I think that judgment is correct). At this level, you also need to understand the difference between handan and similar words like ketsudan (resolve/decision) and kettei (final decision). This semantic precision is crucial for clear communication. You will encounter handan frequently in B1-level reading materials, such as essays, opinion pieces, and standard news reports. It is often used in discussions about societal issues, business strategies, and personal dilemmas. In listening, you should be able to catch phrases like 'handan ni mayou' (to hesitate in judgment) and understand the speaker's internal conflict. Furthermore, you will start using more complex grammar patterns with handan, such as using it with passive verbs or causative forms to describe how judgments are influenced or required by others. The cultural implications of handan also become more apparent at the B1 level. You will understand that asking for someone's handan ('handan wo aogu') is a sign of respect and a common practice in hierarchical settings. Mastering handan at this stage empowers you to participate more fully in discussions, express your analytical thoughts, and navigate the nuances of Japanese social and professional interactions. It is a word that bridges the gap between simple description and complex evaluation, making it an indispensable tool for any intermediate learner striving for fluency. Continue to practice its various collocations and pay close attention to how native speakers use it in different contexts.

At the B2 level, your command of Japanese allows for a high degree of fluency and spontaneity. You can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization. Handan is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a critical conceptual tool that you use to articulate sophisticated arguments and analyses. At this upper-intermediate stage, you are expected to use handan with precision and nuance, distinguishing it clearly from synonyms and employing it in a wide range of collocations. You should be entirely comfortable with phrases like 'handan wo kudasu' (to hand down a judgment), 'handan wo ayamaru' (to err in judgment), and 'handan zairyou' (materials for judgment). Your ability to use these expressions naturally demonstrates a deep understanding of Japanese phrasing. In professional contexts, handan is indispensable. You will use it to discuss project viability, evaluate risks, and propose strategies. For example, you might say, 'kono deeta wo moto ni, shinchou na handan ga motomeraremasu' (Based on this data, careful judgment is required). In academic settings, handan is used to critically evaluate theories, methodologies, and research findings. Reading at the B2 level involves encountering handan in complex, multi-clause sentences, often within editorials, academic papers, or detailed reports. You must be able to track the subject making the handan and the object being evaluated, even when they are separated by extensive modifying clauses. Listening comprehension requires understanding handan in fast-paced discussions, debates, and news analyses, where speakers might use it to challenge opinions or defend their own reasoning. Culturally, your use of handan at the B2 level reflects an understanding of Japanese consensus-building (nemawashi) and the careful weighing of group harmony against individual assertion. You know when it is appropriate to assert your own handan and when it is necessary to defer to the handan of the group or a superior. Mastery of handan at this level signifies that you are not just speaking Japanese, but thinking analytically in Japanese, capable of navigating complex intellectual and social landscapes with confidence and cultural sensitivity.

The C1 level represents an advanced, highly proficient stage of language acquisition. At this level, you can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. Handan is fully integrated into your linguistic repertoire, and you wield it with the finesse of an educated native speaker. You understand the profound subtleties of the word and can manipulate its usage to convey precise shades of meaning, tone, and register. At the C1 level, you are not just using handan to describe a decision; you are using it to critique the process of decision-making itself. You can engage in complex debates about the ethical implications of a 'shihou handan' (judicial decision) or the long-term consequences of a 'keiei handan' (management decision). You are comfortable with highly formal and idiomatic expressions, such as 'handan wo ryuuho suru' (to reserve judgment) or 'sokudan sokketsu' (immediate judgment and execution). Your reading comprehension allows you to effortlessly process dense texts where handan is used in abstract philosophical or sociological contexts. You can analyze how authors use the concept of handan to explore themes of human agency, responsibility, and societal structure. In listening, you can follow intricate arguments in documentaries, high-level panel discussions, and sophisticated dramas, catching every nuance of how handan is employed to persuade, defend, or analyze. Your writing at the C1 level is characterized by the precise and elegant use of handan to structure arguments, evaluate evidence, and draw compelling conclusions. You understand that the choice between handan, ketsudan, and kettei can significantly alter the tone of your writing, and you make these choices deliberately to achieve specific rhetorical effects. Furthermore, your cultural understanding of handan is profound. You recognize how the concept intersects with Japanese notions of duty (giri), face (mentsu), and situational ethics. You can navigate the most delicate social and professional situations, using handan to demonstrate respect, assert authority, or build consensus as the situation demands. At the C1 level, handan is a powerful instrument for sophisticated communication and critical thought.

At the C2 level, you have achieved mastery of the Japanese language, demonstrating a level of proficiency akin to that of a highly educated native speaker. You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. You can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. Your use of handan at this level is flawless, instinctive, and deeply nuanced. You do not merely use the word; you understand its etymological roots, its historical evolution, and its profound cultural resonance. You can engage in high-level discourse on the philosophy of judgment, discussing how the Japanese concept of handan compares to Western notions of rationality and decision-making. You are adept at using handan in the most formal and demanding contexts, such as drafting legal documents, writing academic treatises, or delivering keynote addresses. You command an exhaustive array of collocations, idioms, and compound words related to handan, employing them with stylistic brilliance to captivate and persuade your audience. Your reading comprehension is absolute; you can deconstruct complex literary works or dense philosophical texts, analyzing how the author's use of handan reveals underlying themes and character motivations. In listening, you can detect the subtlest irony, hesitation, or conviction in a speaker's voice when they use handan, understanding the unstated implications of their words. Your writing is characterized by an elegant, authoritative voice that uses handan to construct airtight arguments and profound insights. You can play with the word, using it metaphorically or ironically to achieve sophisticated literary effects. Culturally, your understanding of handan is fully integrated into your worldview. You navigate the complexities of Japanese society with unparalleled grace, using your mastery of handan to build deep relationships, resolve intricate conflicts, and lead with wisdom and cultural sensitivity. At the C2 level, handan is not just a word you know; it is a fundamental concept that you use to interact with and shape the world around you, demonstrating the ultimate pinnacle of linguistic and cultural fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

判断 in 30 Seconds

Means judgment or decision.
Used for logical evaluation.
Often paired with 'suru'.
Common in formal contexts.

The concept of handan is fundamentally important in the Japanese language, serving as a cornerstone for expressing cognitive processes related to evaluating, deciding, and concluding. When we delve into the intricacies of this term, we uncover a rich tapestry of meaning that extends far beyond a simple translation of judgment or decision. In both personal and professional contexts, the ability to articulate one's analytical process is paramount. This section explores the multifaceted nature of handan, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of its semantic scope and practical applications. The mental process of evaluating information or a situation to reach a conclusion or make a decision involves distinguishing between right and wrong, true and false, or selecting the best course of action based on evidence. This is not merely a passive reception of facts, but an active, dynamic engagement with the world. When you make a handan, you are synthesizing various data points, weighing potential outcomes, and asserting a definitive stance. This cognitive heavy lifting is reflected in the kanji characters themselves. The first character, han, conveys the idea of judging, distinguishing, or stamping with a seal of approval. It implies a formal, recognized assessment. The second character, dan, means to sever, cut off, or decide. It suggests finality, a cutting away of ambiguity to reveal a clear path forward. Together, they form a word that embodies both the careful deliberation and the decisive action required in complex situations. Understanding this dual nature is essential for mastering its usage. In everyday conversation, you might hear someone say they are waiting for a superior's handan, indicating a reliance on authoritative judgment. Alternatively, someone might emphasize the need for self-judgment, or jiko-handan, highlighting personal responsibility. The versatility of handan allows it to function seamlessly across various registers, from casual chats among friends to highly formal business negotiations. It is a word that commands respect, as it implies a level of maturity and analytical capability. Furthermore, the cultural context of Japan places a high value on harmonious decision-making. A hasty or ill-considered handan can disrupt group dynamics and lead to unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, the process leading up to a handan is often collaborative, involving extensive consultation and consensus-building. This cultural nuance adds depth to the word, transforming it from a simple vocabulary item into a reflection of societal values. As you continue to study Japanese, you will encounter handan in numerous forms as a noun, as part of a compound verb, and within idiomatic expressions. Each encounter will enrich your comprehension and enable you to express your thoughts with greater precision and nuance. By internalizing the core meaning and the subtle connotations of handan, you equip yourself with a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of the Japanese language and culture. Embrace the challenge of mastering this essential term, and watch as your communicative competence reaches new heights. The journey of language learning is a continuous process of refinement and discovery, and every new word is a stepping stone towards fluency.

Cognitive Process: The internal mental evaluation of facts to reach a logical conclusion.

Decisive Action: The final step of choosing a path after careful deliberation.

Social Context: The culturally significant act of making choices that affect group harmony.

正しい判断を下すことが重要です。

状況の判断を誤った。

自己判断で行動しないでください。

医者の判断を仰ぐ。

最終的な判断は社長に委ねられた。

Using handan correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its typical collocations. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence, but its most common and powerful usage is as a suru-verb: handan suru. This transforms the abstract concept of judgment into the active process of judging or deciding. When you append suru, you are stating that an evaluation is actively taking place. For example, 'jyoukyou wo handan suru' means to assess the situation. The particle 'wo' is used to mark the object being judged. Another critical grammatical pattern involves the particle 'de', as in 'jibun no handan de' (by one's own judgment). This indicates the basis or source of the decision. Furthermore, handan frequently combines with other nouns to create compound words that specify the type of judgment. 'Jiko-handan' (self-judgment), 'sougou-handan' (comprehensive judgment), and 'shingakki-handan' (new term assessment) are just a few examples. These compounds are ubiquitous in business and academic environments, reflecting a culture that categorizes and formalizes decision-making processes. When expressing difficulty in making a judgment, the phrase 'handan ni mayou' (to hesitate in judgment) or 'handan ga muzukashii' (judgment is difficult) are standard native expressions. Conversely, a swift and clear decision is often described as 'su-bayai handan' (quick judgment). It is also crucial to understand the verbs that take handan as their object. 'Handan wo kudasu' (to hand down a judgment) carries a formal, almost legalistic tone, often used when a person in authority makes a final ruling. 'Handan wo ayamaru' (to err in judgment) is the standard way to admit a mistake in the evaluation process. 'Handan wo aogu' (to seek judgment) is a polite phrase used when asking a superior or expert for their opinion or decision. Mastering these collocations will significantly elevate your Japanese proficiency, allowing you to speak with the precision and nuance of a native speaker. The ability to articulate not just the decision, but the process and authority behind it, is a hallmark of advanced language skills. Practice integrating these patterns into your daily conversations and written communications. Over time, the correct usage of handan will become second nature, enabling you to navigate complex social and professional interactions with confidence and grace. Remember to pay attention to the context, as the formality of the situation will dictate which verbs and particles are most appropriate to pair with handan.

As a Noun: Used to represent the concept of judgment itself, often modified by adjectives.

As a Suru-Verb: Combined with suru to describe the active process of evaluating and deciding.

In Compounds: Attached to other nouns to specify the exact nature or domain of the judgment.

自分で判断してください。

専門家の判断が必要です。

その判断は間違っている。

早急な判断が求められる。

総合的に判断して決める。

The term handan is ubiquitous in Japanese society, permeating various spheres of life from the highly formal to the everyday casual. Its prevalence underscores the cultural importance placed on careful evaluation and consensus. In the corporate world, handan is a daily staple. Business meetings frequently revolve around gathering information to facilitate a 'keiei handan' (management decision). Employees are often evaluated on their 'jyoukyou handan noryoku' (situational judgment ability), which is the capacity to read a situation accurately and act appropriately. You will hear managers instructing subordinates to wait for their handan before proceeding with a project, highlighting the hierarchical nature of corporate decision-making. In legal and administrative contexts, handan takes on a more rigid, authoritative tone. Judges hand down a 'shihou handan' (judicial decision), and government officials make policy judgments based on extensive data analysis. News broadcasts are filled with reports of committees and panels convening to make a handan on public issues. In the medical field, a doctor's handan is paramount. Patients rely on the 'ishi no handan' (doctor's judgment) for diagnosis and treatment plans. Medical dramas on television frequently feature tense scenes where a surgeon must make a split-second handan during a complex operation. Beyond these formal settings, handan is also common in daily life. When shopping for a major appliance, a family might discuss the various features to make a 'gou-riteki na handan' (rational judgment). In sports, commentators analyze a player's 'isshun no handan' (split-second judgment) that led to a goal or a mistake. Even in casual conversations among friends, someone might say 'sore wa kimi no handan ni makaseru' (I'll leave that to your judgment) when deciding where to eat or what movie to watch. This widespread usage demonstrates that handan is not merely a specialized term, but a fundamental concept that structures how Japanese people navigate choices and responsibilities in all aspects of life. By paying attention to where and how handan is used in different contexts, learners can gain valuable insights into Japanese social dynamics and communication styles. Listening to news, watching dramas, and observing native speakers in professional settings are excellent ways to internalize the diverse applications of this essential word. The more you expose yourself to these varied contexts, the more natural your own usage of handan will become, allowing you to communicate with greater authenticity and cultural awareness.

Business: Used constantly in meetings and reports to discuss management decisions and situational assessments.

Medical: Refers to a doctor's professional diagnosis or decision regarding a patient's treatment.

Daily Life: Used when making personal choices, evaluating options, or delegating decisions to friends.

会議で経営判断が下された。

ニュースで司法の判断が報じられた。

スポーツ選手の瞬時の判断が光る。

メニュー選びは君の判断に任せるよ。

医者の判断に従って薬を飲む。

While handan is a highly useful word, learners frequently make mistakes regarding its nuance and grammatical application. One of the most common errors is confusing handan with ketsudan. While both relate to decision-making, handan emphasizes the cognitive process of evaluating facts to reach a logical conclusion, whereas ketsudan emphasizes the resolve and courage required to make a difficult, often life-changing, final decision. Saying you need to make a ketsudan about what to eat for lunch sounds overly dramatic, while saying you made a handan to quit your job might sound too cold and analytical. Another frequent mistake involves the choice of verbs used with handan. Learners often use 'handan wo suru' when 'handan wo kudasu' would be more appropriate for a formal ruling, or they might say 'handan wo morau' instead of the more natural and polite 'handan wo aogu' when asking a superior for a decision. Grammatically, learners sometimes struggle with particles. For instance, using 'ni' instead of 'de' in the phrase 'jibun no handan de' (by one's own judgment) changes the meaning incorrectly. Additionally, learners might overuse handan in situations where a simpler word like kimeru (to decide) or kangaeru (to think) would be more natural. Handan carries a certain weight and formality; using it for trivial matters can make your Japanese sound stiff or unnatural. Furthermore, the pronunciation of handan requires attention. The 'n' sounds must be fully articulated, taking up a full mora (beat) each. Rushing the pronunciation can make it difficult for native speakers to understand. Finally, cultural misunderstandings can lead to inappropriate usage. In Japanese business culture, making a unilateral handan without consulting others (nemawashi) is often frowned upon. Therefore, asserting 'watashi ga handan shimashita' (I made the judgment) in a group setting might come across as arrogant rather than decisive. Understanding these nuances and potential pitfalls is crucial for mastering the word. By being mindful of the distinction between evaluation and resolve, using the correct collocations, and respecting the cultural context of decision-making, learners can avoid these common mistakes and use handan with the accuracy and elegance of a native speaker. Continuous practice and attentive listening to native usage are the best ways to refine your understanding and application of this complex term.

Handan vs Ketsudan: Handan is logical evaluation; ketsudan is a resolute, often difficult, final decision.

Wrong Verbs: Using casual verbs with handan in formal situations instead of appropriate terms like kudasu or aogu.

Overuse: Using handan for trivial daily choices where kimeru (to decide) is much more natural.

昼食のメニューを判断する。（不自然）

人生の大きな判断。（決断の方が自然）

上司に判断をもらう。（仰ぐの方が丁寧）

自分の判断に行動する。（で、が正しい）

勝手に判断して怒られた。

To fully grasp the nuances of handan, it is highly beneficial to compare it with similar words in the Japanese vocabulary. The most common point of confusion is with ketsudan (決断). As previously mentioned, ketsudan focuses on the resolve and determination to make a final, often difficult choice, whereas handan focuses on the logical evaluation of facts leading up to a conclusion. You make a handan based on data, but you make a ketsudan based on courage. Another related word is kettei (決定), which simply means decision or determination. Kettei is the factual outcome of a process; it is the final state. Handan is the cognitive process that often leads to a kettei. For example, the committee makes a handan (evaluation), and the result is a kettei (final decision). Hyiteki (評価), meaning evaluation or assessment, is also closely related. However, hyouka usually implies assigning a value or grade to something (like an employee's performance), while handan is about deciding a course of action or determining the truth of a situation. Suisoku (推測), meaning guess or conjecture, involves reaching a conclusion with incomplete information, whereas handan implies a more grounded, evidence-based conclusion. Kangaeru (考える), the basic verb for to think, is much broader and encompasses all mental activity, while handan is specifically focused on reaching a judgment. Sentaku (選択), meaning choice or selection, refers to picking from available options, but it doesn't necessarily imply the deep analytical evaluation inherent in handan. Understanding these subtle distinctions allows learners to select the most precise word for their intended meaning. In professional and academic writing, this precision is highly valued and demonstrates a sophisticated command of the language. By mapping out the semantic territory surrounding handan, learners can build a more robust and nuanced vocabulary network. This comparative approach not only clarifies the meaning of handan but also reinforces the understanding of the related terms, creating a synergistic learning effect that accelerates overall language acquisition. Take the time to study these synonyms and their specific use cases to elevate your Japanese expression to the next level.

決断 (Ketsudan): Focuses on the resolve and courage to make a final, difficult decision, rather than the logical evaluation.

決定 (Kettei): The factual outcome or final state of a decision process; the result of a judgment.

評価 (Hyouka): Assigning a value, grade, or merit to something, rather than deciding a course of action.

大きな決断を迫られる。

会議で方針が決定した。

社員の業績を評価する。

状況から結果を推測する。

二つの選択肢から選択する。

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Noun + に基づいて (Based on...)

Verb (Te-form) + からでないと (Unless... cannot...)

Noun + 次第で (Depending on...)

Verb (Dictionary form) + べきだ (Should...)

Noun + に委ねる (To entrust to...)

Examples by Level

これは私の判断です。

This is my judgment.

Noun + desu (copula).

判断が難しいです。

The judgment is difficult.

Noun + ga (subject marker) + adjective.

良い判断ですね。

That is a good judgment.

Adjective + noun.

先生の判断を待ちます。

I will wait for the teacher's judgment.

Noun + no (possessive) + noun + wo (object marker) + verb.

自分で判断します。

I will judge by myself.

Noun + de (instrumental marker) + suru-verb.

判断が遅いです。

The judgment is slow.

Noun + ga + adjective.

悪い判断でした。

It was a bad judgment.

Adjective + noun + deshita (past tense copula).

判断を急がないで。

Don't rush the judgment.

Noun + wo + verb (negative request).

状況を見て判断します。

I will judge by looking at the situation.

Te-form verb + suru-verb.

自己判断で行動しないでください。

Please do not act on your own judgment.

Compound noun + de + verb (negative request).

彼の判断はいつも正しい。

His judgment is always correct.

Noun + wa (topic marker) + adverb + adjective.

医者の判断に従います。

I will follow the doctor's judgment.

Noun + ni (direction/target marker) + verb.

どちらがいいか判断できない。

I cannot judge which is better.

Question word + ga + adjective + ka + potential verb (negative).

親の判断に任せます。

I will leave it to my parents' judgment.

Noun + ni + verb.

その判断は間違っていました。

That judgment was wrong.

Noun + wa + verb (past progressive/state).

早く判断してください。

Please judge quickly.

Adverb + suru-verb (request).

客観的なデータに基づいて判断を下す。

Make a judgment based on objective data.

Noun + ni motozuite (based on) + phrase.

今の状況では、判断に迷うのも無理はない。

In the current situation, it is no wonder you hesitate in your judgment.

Noun + de wa + phrase + no mo muri wa nai (it's reasonable that).

社長の経営判断が会社の未来を左右する。

The president's management decision will determine the company's future.

Compound noun + ga + object + verb.

情報が不足しており、正確な判断が下せない。

Due to a lack of information, an accurate judgment cannot be made.

Verb (te-form for reason) + adjective + noun + potential verb (negative).

最終的な判断は、委員会に委ねられた。

The final judgment was entrusted to the committee.

Adjective + noun + wa + noun + ni + passive verb.

自分の価値観だけで他人の行動を判断してはいけない。

You must not judge others' actions solely by your own values.

Noun + dake de + object + verb (prohibition).

安全第一という基準で判断することが求められる。

It is required to make judgments based on the standard of safety first.

Phrase + to iu + noun + de + verb + koto ga + passive verb.

専門家の意見を仰ぎ、総合的に判断したい。

I want to seek the opinions of experts and make a comprehensive judgment.

Object + verb (stem form for conjunction) + adverb + verb (desire).

事態の深刻さを鑑み、早急な判断が不可欠である。

Considering the seriousness of the situation, an immediate judgment is essential.

Noun + wo kangami (considering) + phrase.

感情に流されず、冷静沈着な判断を心がけるべきだ。

One should strive for calm and composed judgment without being swayed by emotion.

Verb (negative passive te-form) + adjective + noun + wo + verb + beki da (should).

過去の判例が、今回の司法判断の重要な根拠となった。

Past precedents became the important basis for this judicial decision.

Noun + ga + noun + no + adjective + noun + ni + verb.

現場の裁量に任せるか、本部が判断を下すか、議論が分かれている。

Opinions are divided on whether to leave it to the discretion of the site or for headquarters to make the judgment.

Phrase + ka + phrase + ka + noun + ga + verb (state).

多角的な視点から情報を分析し、妥当な判断を導き出す。

Analyze information from multiple perspectives and derive a valid judgment.

Adjective + noun + kara + object + verb (te-form) + phrase.

その場の空気に呑まれ、判断を誤るリスクを常に意識しなければならない。

One must always be aware of the risk of being swallowed by the atmosphere of the moment and erring in judgment.

Phrase + verb (te-form) + phrase + noun + wo + adverb + verb (obligation).

倫理的な観点からの判断が、企業の社会的責任を問う上で重要視されている。

Judgments from an ethical standpoint are considered important in questioning a company's social responsibility.

Adjective + noun + kara no + noun + ga + phrase + ue de + passive verb.

AIによる自動判断システムの導入が、業務効率化の鍵を握る。

The introduction of an automatic judgment system by AI holds the key to operational efficiency.

Noun + ni yoru + compound noun + no + noun + ga + object + verb.

不確実性が極めて高い現代社会において、リーダーに求められるのは、大局的な見地からの的確な判断力に他ならない。

In modern society, where uncertainty is extremely high, what is required of a leader is nothing other than accurate judgment from a broad perspective.

Phrase + ni oite (in/at) + phrase + no wa + phrase + ni hoka naranai (is nothing but).

当該事案に関する最終的な判断は、第三者委員会の徹底的な調査結果を待ってから下されるべき性質のものである。

The final judgment regarding the case in question is of a nature that should be handed down after waiting for the results of a thorough investigation by a third-party committee.

Phrase + wa + phrase + wo matte kara + passive verb + beki + noun + de aru.

人間の認知バイアスが判断プロセスに及ぼす影響を排除することは、事実上不可能に近いと言わざるを得ない。

It must be said that it is practically near impossible to eliminate the influence that human cognitive bias exerts on the judgment process.

Phrase + ga + phrase + ni oyobosu + noun + wo + verb + koto wa + phrase + to iwazaru wo enai (cannot help but say).

法の精神に照らし合わせ、個々の具体的事情を斟酌した上での柔軟な司法判断が、真の救済をもたらす。

A flexible judicial decision, made after considering individual specific circumstances in light of the spirit of the law, brings about true relief.

Phrase + ni terashiawase (in light of) + phrase + wo + verb (ta-form) + ue de no + phrase.

短期的な利益追求に偏重した経営判断は、長期的には企業の存続基盤を危うくする諸刃の剣である。

Management decisions that overemphasize the pursuit of short-term profits are a double-edged sword that endangers the company's survival base in the long run.

Phrase + ni henchou shita + noun + wa + phrase + wo + verb + noun + de aru.

膨大な情報が氾濫する情報化社会では、情報の真贋を見極める高度な情報判断能力が、市民の必須リテラシーとなる。

In an information society overflowing with vast amounts of information, a high level of information judgment ability to discern the authenticity of information becomes an essential literacy for citizens.

Phrase + de wa + phrase + wo mikiwameru + noun + ga + phrase + to naru.

自らの判断の誤りを率直に認め、軌道修正を図る勇気こそが、真の知性の証左と言えるだろう。

The courage to frankly admit the error of one's own judgment and attempt a course correction is precisely what can be called proof of true intelligence.

Phrase + wo + adverb + verb (te-form) + phrase + wo hakaru + noun + koso ga + phrase + to ieru darou.

歴史的文脈を捨象した表面的な事象のみに基づく判断は、往々にして深刻な誤謬を内包する危険性を孕んでいる。

Judgments based solely on superficial events that abstract away the historical context often carry the risk of containing serious fallacies.

Phrase + wo shashou shita + phrase + nomi ni motozuku + noun + wa + adverb + phrase + wo naihou suru + noun + wo harande iru.

事象の表層的な因果関係に囚われることなく、その深層に潜む構造的矛盾を看破し得る慧眼こそが、歴史的審判に堪え得る判断を可能ならしめる。

It is precisely the keen insight capable of penetrating the structural contradictions lurking in the depths, without being trapped by the superficial causal relationships of events, that makes possible a judgment that can withstand the scrutiny of history.

Phrase + ni torawareru koto naku + phrase + wo kanpa shi uru + noun + koso ga + phrase + ni tae uru + noun + wo kanou narashimeru (causative formal).

絶対的な真理が失効したポストモダン的状況下において、我々は常に暫定的な判断を余儀なくされるという実存的不安と対峙し続けなければならない。

In a postmodern situation where absolute truth has lost its validity, we must continue to confront the existential anxiety of being constantly forced to make provisional judgments.

Phrase + jyoukyou ka ni oite + phrase + wo yoginaku sareru + to iu + noun + to taiji shi tsuzukenakereba naranai.

法の適用における機械的な三段論法を排し、個別具体の事案における「生きた法」の動態を捉える創造的な法的判断が、現代法学の最前線で希求されている。

Creative legal judgment that rejects mechanical syllogism in the application of law and captures the dynamics of 'living law' in individual specific cases is sought at the forefront of modern jurisprudence.

Phrase + wo haishi + phrase + ni okeru + phrase + wo toraeru + noun + ga + phrase + de kikyuu sarete iru.

自己の判断基準そのものを絶えずメタレベルから相対化し、自己批判の俎上に載せるという再帰的実践なくして、真の知的誠実さは担保し得ない。

Without the recursive practice of constantly relativizing one's own criteria for judgment from a meta-level and placing them on the chopping block of self-criticism, true intellectual integrity cannot be guaranteed.

Phrase + sono mono wo + adverb + phrase + kara soutaika shi + phrase + ni noseru + to iu + noun + naku shite + phrase + wa tanpo shi enai.

政治的決断という名の暴力性を隠蔽するためのレトリックとして「総合的判断」というマジックワードが濫用される事態に対し、我々は批判的理性の牙を研ぎ澄ませておかなければならない。

We must keep the fangs of critical reason sharpened against the situation where the magic word 'comprehensive judgment' is abused as rhetoric to conceal the violent nature of what is called a political decision.

Phrase + to iu na no + noun + wo inpei suru tame no + noun + to shite + phrase + ga ranyou sareru + noun + ni taishi + phrase + wo togisumasete okanakereba naranai.

複雑系科学の知見が示唆するように、微小な初期条件の違いが最終的な判断結果に決定的な差異をもたらすバタフライ効果を、意思決定プロセスにおいて看過することは許されない。

As insights from complex systems science suggest, it is impermissible to overlook in the decision-making process the butterfly effect, where minute differences in initial conditions bring about decisive differences in the final judgment result.

Phrase + ga shisa suru you ni + phrase + ga + phrase + ni + adjective + noun + wo motarasu + noun + wo + phrase + ni oite kanka suru koto wa yurusarenai.

倫理的ジレンマの極限状況において下される悲劇的判断は、善悪の二元論を超克した次元で、人間の尊厳の根源的な意味を我々に突きつける。

Tragic judgments made in extreme situations of ethical dilemmas thrust upon us the fundamental meaning of human dignity in a dimension that overcomes the dualism of good and evil.

Phrase + no kyokugen jyoukyou ni oite + passive verb + noun + wa + phrase + wo choukoku shita + noun + de + phrase + wo wareware ni tsukitsukeru.

言語という不完全な媒体を介して他者の内面を推し量り、そこに何らかの判断を下すという行為の根源的な傲慢さを自覚する者のみが、真の他者理解の閾に立つことができる。

Only those who are aware of the fundamental arrogance of the act of inferring the inner workings of others through the imperfect medium of language and passing some kind of judgment on it can stand at the threshold of true understanding of others.

Phrase + wo kaishite + phrase + wo oshihakari + soko ni + phrase + wo kudasu + to iu + noun + no + adjective + noun + wo jikaku suru mono nomi ga + phrase + ni tatsu koto ga dekiru.

Synonyms

決定判定評価決断推量

Antonyms

迷い躊躇

Common Collocations

判断を下す

判断に迷う

判断を仰ぐ

判断を誤る

状況判断

自己判断

総合判断

経営判断

司法判断

専門家の判断

Common Phrases

判断が難しい

判断に任せる

判断が分かれる

判断を急ぐ

判断材料にする

正しい判断

誤った判断

冷静な判断

早急な判断

的確な判断

Often Confused With

判断 vs 決断 (Ketsudan) - Resolve/final decision.

判断 vs 決定 (Kettei) - The factual outcome/determination.

判断 vs 評価 (Hyouka) - Assessment/grading.

Idioms & Expressions

"判断がつく"

"判断に苦しむ"

"判断を委ねる"

"判断を保留する"

"判断を狂わせる"

"判断を迫られる"

"判断を覆す"

"判断を差し控える"

"判断基準を設ける"

"判断能力を欠く"

Easily Confused

判断 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Handan implies a logical, objective evaluation process, distinguishing it from purely emotional or impulsive choices.

warning

Do not confuse handan with ketsudan. Ketsudan implies a resolute, often difficult final decision, while handan is the evaluation leading up to it.

Common Mistakes

Using handan for simple daily choices like what to eat (use kimeru instead).
Confusing handan (logical evaluation) with ketsudan (resolute decision).
Saying 'handan wo morau' instead of the more polite 'handan wo aogu' when asking a superior.
Using the particle 'ni' instead of 'de' in 'jibun no handan de' (by one's own judgment).
Pronouncing it quickly without giving the 'n' sounds their full mora beats.

Tips

Use with Kudasu

When referring to an official or formal decision, pair handan with the verb kudasu (to hand down). 'Handan wo kudasu' sounds much more authoritative than 'handan wo suru'.

Mora Timing

Japanese is a mora-timed language. Ensure both 'n' sounds in han-dan get a full beat. Rushing them will make your pronunciation sound unnatural.

Nemawashi

In Japanese business, a handan is rarely made alone. It usually follows nemawashi, the process of quietly laying the foundation and gathering consensus before a formal decision is made.

Compound Words

Learn common compounds like jyoukyou-handan (situational judgment) and jiko-handan (self-judgment) to instantly sound more fluent and precise.

News Broadcasts

Watch Japanese news to hear handan used in context. You will frequently hear it regarding government policies, legal rulings, and corporate announcements.

Formal Emails

In business emails, use 'go-handan' (with the honorific prefix 'go') when referring to the recipient's judgment to show respect.

Objective vs Subjective

Remember that handan implies an objective evaluation of facts. If a decision is purely emotional, handan is not the right word.

Handan Zairyou

Use the phrase 'handan zairyou' (materials for judgment) when discussing the data or information needed to make a decision.

Particle Ni vs De

Use 'ni' when leaving a decision to someone ('handan ni makaseru'). Use 'de' when acting based on a decision ('handan de ugoku').

Expressing Hesitation

If you don't know what to do, say 'handan ni mayotte imasu' (I am hesitating in my judgment). It is a polite way to say you are unsure.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

In daily life, 'jiko-handan' (self-judgment) is often used as a warning, e.g., 'Don't stop taking medicine based on self-judgment.'

In business, 'keiei handan' (management decisions) are scrutinized heavily. Subordinates rarely make major handan without consulting superiors.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"この問題について、どう判断しますか？ (How do you judge this issue?)"

"最終的な判断は誰が下すのですか？ (Who will make the final judgment?)"

"判断に迷っていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you are hesitating to judge?)"

"正しい判断をするためのコツは何ですか？ (What is the trick to making correct judgments?)"

"過去の判断で後悔していることはありますか？ (Do you have any regrets about past judgments?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to make a difficult handan.

What factors do you consider when making an important handan?

Write about a handan you made that turned out to be wrong.

How does the process of handan differ in your culture compared to Japan?

Explain a recent news event and the handan made by the people involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is generally too formal for such trivial choices. Use 'kimeru' (to decide) instead. Handan implies a process of evaluating complex information.

Handan is the logical evaluation of facts. Ketsudan is the resolute, often difficult final decision that requires courage. You use handan to analyze, and ketsudan to act.

Use the phrase 'handan wo aogu' (to seek judgment). For example, 'Buchou no go-handan wo aogitai desu' (I would like to seek the department manager's judgment).

Yes, it can be used as a noun or a suru-verb. 'Handan suru' means 'to make a judgment' or 'to judge'.

It means 'self-judgment' or making a decision on your own without consulting others. It is often used in warnings, like 'Do not stop taking medicine based on jiko-handan'.

Absolutely. It is frequently used to refer to a doctor's diagnosis or professional opinion, as in 'ishi no handan' (doctor's judgment).

A bad judgment is often expressed as 'ayamatta handan' (erroneous judgment) or by using the verb phrase 'handan wo ayamaru' (to err in judgment).

The term is 'sougou handan' or 'sougou-teki na handan'. It means making a decision after considering all available factors and perspectives.

Yes, 'shihou handan' refers to a judicial decision or ruling made by a court of law.

The particle 'de' is used. For example, 'jibun no handan de koudou suru' means 'to act based on one's own judgment'.